**Samantha Morton: Bafta-Winning Actress Calls for Reform of the Care System**
Bafta-winning actress Samantha Morton has spoken out about the British care system, describing it as “not fit for purpose.” Honoured at Windsor Castle on Tuesday with an OBE for services to drama and charity, Morton, 48, shared her personal experiences and offered words of encouragement to children currently in care.
Morton, known for her acclaimed roles in *Longford* and *The Serpent Queen*, directed and co-wrote the TV drama *The Unloved*, which is based on her firsthand experience of the care system. The drama won the Best Single Drama award at the Bafta TV Awards in 2010.
Speaking about the care system, Morton highlighted its many challenges:
*”The care system isn’t fit for purpose. It’s been privatised, and unfortunately, there are a lot of unregulated children’s homes operating up and down the country. We have a lot of suicides, young people killing themselves in the care system. It was always that way, but it’s proportions that are just not… it’s never acceptable, but we’ve got a problem now.”*
When asked what message she would share with children in care today, Morton said:
*”Anything is possible. I really believe that, but I was lucky, because I had a really good teacher at school who saw potential in me. So it’s about young people that are suffering, or you don’t even have to be in care, you’re just suffering right now, to know that education really is your way out of anything.”*
She emphasized the importance of education, adding:
*”Because the minute you educate yourself, you just see other worlds and opportunities. And it doesn’t always have to be financial, because it is about freeing the mind as well.”*
### Advice for Young Actors
Morton also shared advice for aspiring actors hoping to follow in her footsteps. She encouraged them to explore British film and television deeply:
*”I would say, watch as many British films and television that you can. The BBC has an amazing archive of arts and culture, because we have a tendency towards globalisation with our arts, and that’s fine, but we don’t often feel represented.”*
She urged young performers to study British filmmakers’ work closely, noting the unique style and approach that differs from American or other international filmmakers. Given the expense of theatre and cinema, she suggested utilizing available online resources such as *National Theatre Live*:
*”Cinema is very expensive, so they’re mostly watching streamers. So just hunt out the really good stuff, and then you’ve got the National Theatre Live, which you can see online.”*
### Emotional Moment at Windsor Castle
Reflecting on the honour she received from the Prince of Wales, Morton expressed her gratitude and pride:
*”I feel very emotional. I’m very proud, very grateful and honoured to be here today.”*
She described the moment of receiving her OBE as “a bit of a blur,” explaining she was focused on not saying the wrong thing. She also shared a humorous anecdote from an earlier royal visit:
*”Years ago, when I was very lucky enough to be invited to Buckingham Palace, I left my shoes on the Tube, and so all I had with me were flip-flops. I went to Buckingham Palace and met his grandma in my flip-flops. I was mortified.”*
Morton praised the royal family for their work and kindness, saying:
*”What they do is incredible. So obviously, William’s being very gracious and congratulating me. But I also want to thank him for what he does, which I think I remembered to do.”*
### Career Highlights
Samantha Morton’s career spans over three decades. She landed her first TV roles in 1991 with appearances in *Soldier Soldier* and *Boon*. She later starred in period dramas including *Emma* (1996) and *Jane Eyre* (1997).
Her international acclaim grew following her performance in Carine Adler’s indie film *Under The Skin* (1998), which earned her a British Independent Film Award (Bifa) nomination for Best Actress. In 2002, she won the Best Actress award for the psychological drama *Morvern Callar*. In 2022, she received the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film.
Morton has been nominated for two Oscars: in 2000 for *Sweet and Lowdown* and in 2004 for *In America*. She also earned a Golden Globe in 2008 for her portrayal of child murderer Myra Hindley in the TV movie *Longford*.
Some of her notable film roles include starring alongside Tom Cruise in the sci-fi action film *Minority Report* (2002) and playing Mary Lou in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016). Last year, she was awarded the Bafta Fellowship, the Academy’s highest honour, dedicating the award to children in care.
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Samantha Morton’s candid reflections and outstanding achievements continue to inspire many, especially those affected by the care system, as she advocates for change and the power of education as a pathway to opportunity.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/samantha-morton-says-care-system-not-fit-for-purpose-as-she-is-made-obe-1813000.html
